"As We Age Our Bones Get More Brittle, What You Need To Know About Falling" - Dr. Johanna Kreafle
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older Americans. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the ER after a fall, and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. “Rib fractures in the elderly population are quite common following even the most seemingly innocuous falls from ground level,” said David Forsh, MD, chief of orthopedic trauma for the Mount Sinai Health System. “Generally these injuries health rather readily in a matter of eight to 10 weeks, but may be a source of significant pain and debilitation for a short time. Treatment is usually supportive with pain medication and expectant management. If patients have intractable pain that causes respiratory dysfunction they may be candidates for an epidural to alleviate symptoms and facilitate improved breathing mechanics.”
— David A. Forsh, MD, Assistant Professor, Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Chief, Orthopedic Trauma, Mount Sinai Health System
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